This week marks National Infant Immunization Week (April 24-May 1), an annual observance established to promote the benefits of immunization and focus on the importance of immunizing infants to fight preventable diseases by age two.
We thought this was an especially good time to address the most common questions that come up with a little help from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the answers.
Q: Is it safe for my infant to have multiple shots at one time?
A: According to the CDC, research shows that having several vaccines at once is safe for everyone, including newborns. Because there is a need to vaccinate against more diseases than ever before, being able to combine vaccines into a single shot yet fight multiple diseases can be both practical and less stressful on the child.
Q: I’ve heard some vaccines cause autism. Is this true?
A: Scientific studies and reviews by such groups as the American Academy of Pediatrics and Institute of Medicine have found no relationship between vaccines and autism.
Q: Since my child will require immunizations to enroll in school, can’t I wait until then?
A: Many of the diseases that vaccines guard against are particularly dangerous to newborns, babies and toddlers, and exposure to them is greater than ever from activities as seemingly harmless as going to the store to flying on a plane.
Q: Can my child get immunization shots when he/she is currently sick?
A: Usually children can be vaccinated when they have a mild condition such as an earache, cold or slight fever but confirm with your doctor beforehand.
Q: What vaccinations are absolutely necessary during the first six months of a child’s life?
A: At birth, an initial dose of Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) is recommended. Then, by two months old, a second dose of HBV should be administered along with DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis vaccine), Hib (haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine), IPV (inactivated poliovirus vaccine), PCV (Pneumoccal conjugate vaccine) and Rota (Rotavirus vaccine). At both four months and six months, you’ll need to repeat the 2-month regimen of five vaccinations minus the HBV dose. Starting at six months, it is now recommended to begin annually vaccinating children for seasonal influenza and H1N1 influenza, as well.
For additional information about vaccinations, talk with your family physician or call the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636).
